Masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs) assess vestibular function through the vestibulo-masseteric reflex. While tone burst (TB) stimuli are commonly used, narrowband chirp stimuli may improve response rates and neural synchronization. This study compares the effectiveness of TB and chirp stimuli in bone-conducted mVEMP testing.
Chirp stimuli may improve response rates for bone-conducted mVEMPs; audiologists performing vestibular testing should consider this stimulus type if response obtainability is a concern, pending replication in larger samples.
Improving the reliability of bone-conducted mVEMP testing could expand its clinical utility for diagnosing vestibular disorders, particularly in patients where tone-burst responses are absent or unreliable.
- 01Chirp stimuli produced higher response obtainability than tone bursts for bone-conducted mVEMPs.
- 02The study focused on masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs), a balance nerve test recorded from the jaw.
- 03Bone conduction delivery was used, which is relevant for patients who cannot tolerate air-conducted sound.
- 04Findings suggest chirp stimuli may be a clinically superior stimulus choice for this specific test.
- 05Results are preliminary and require confirmation in broader populations.
Chirp stimuli yield enhanced response obtainability compared to tone burst stimuli for bone-conducted mVEMPs.
studypartially supported- PMID
- 42228115
- DOI
- 10.1007/s00405-026-10332-7.
- Journal
- European Archives of Oto-Rhino-Laryngology
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 3
- Population
- Patients undergoing vestibular assessment with bone-conducted mVEMP testing
- Intervention
- Chirp stimulus for bone-conducted masseter vestibular-evoked myogenic potentials (mVEMPs)
- Comparator
- Tone burst stimulus for bone-conducted mVEMPs
Primary outcomes
Response obtainability rate for bone-conducted mVEMPs